Advanced Features

USING DIAGNOSTIC

this is often of interest to the user, it is primarily a diagnostic tool for the repair technician should the unit need service.

Sonar Beams. The second Diagnostic screen provides valuable information about the sonar function of the 450TX. The three columns of information show the raw sonar signal as it is seen by the unit.

This information is useful in both troubleshooting a potential fault, as well as aiding in the transducer installation (for through the hull installations only).

The sonar diagrams indicate the returned signal of each sonar pulse transmission. By analyzing these diagrams, the user can gain additional insight into the performance of the unit.

The diagrams show time delay (distance) on the vertical axis, and amplitude or strength of return on the horizontal axis. An “amplitude” number shows the relative strength of each return signal. The depth number shows the depth of water beneath the boat as measured by each of the three beams.

With the boat stationary over a flat, consistent bottom, the sonar returns from the left and right beams should be identical. Any discrepancy between these signals may indicate a problem with the location of the transducer. (Often voids or irregularities in the laminated hull of a fiberglass boat will block or degrade one or more of the sonar signals.)

By referring to this screen prior to permanently mounting a through-the- hull transducer, the location can be adjusted until no visible loss is observed.

The diagram of the center beam cannot be compared to the left and right beams as this beam is a different frequency and beam width. The diagram is useful in ensuring that the center beam is present and of sufficient strength.

The depth of the water beneath the boat is shown for each of the three beams. In operation, only the center beam is used to display this depth, however, the depth number is another means of comparison.

When in diagnostic, two menus are available to the user: Depth Range, and